Gavin Fraser
Originally from Scotland, I spent much of childhood abroad in France and Brunei. I graduated from LSE in 2009 with a BSc in Economic History and have been working for a Japanese investment bank as a business analyst ever since.
What made you decide to study Economic History?
By far my two favourite subjects at school were Economics and History so finding a degree course which combined aspects of both disciplines made the decision to study Economic History an easy one. The attraction of living and studying in as vibrant and cosmopolitan an atmosphere as Central London was also a factor, but ultimately it was the draw of the course that ensured I ended up at LSE.
How would you describe the course to someone who is thinking of applying?
Essentially, the course looks at the process of economic change in the past. It seeks to explore the relationship between the disciplines of Economics and History and understand how that relationship differs between different historical and geographical contexts and to what effect. Consequently, Economic Historians become comfortable with the quantitative and empirical approach of the economist as well as the qualitative approach of the historian and come to understand the intrinsic link between the two disciplines.
What did you find most interesting, surprising or challenging about the course?
I think the answer to all of the above is the third year dissertation! The dissertation allows students to put the skills and knowledge gained over the first two years of the course to the test by producing a piece of research on a topic of their choice. The prospect at first seems daunting however, the opportunity to work independently on a subject of personal interest is one that I relished and was undoubtedly my personal highlight of the course
What did you find most interesting, surprising or challenging about the LSE?
I think at first, I was overwhelmed by the focus and commitment of LSE students. Some devote themselves to academic excellence, others to political causes and others still to the numerous societies and clubs which make the LSE social scene so vibrant. Fitting in in such an environment initially seemed like a challenge, however I soon came to realise that being surrounded by bright and ambitious people is the best way to bring the best out of yourself and make the most of your three years.
What advice, if any, would you give a prospective student?
Its a cliche but LSE really is what you make of it - world class academics and facilities as well as the most diverse student body of any university in the UK combine to ensure that everyone can thrive and enjoy themselves at LSE. My advice is to be proactive, open-minded and outgoing in order to embrace those opportunities and ensure you get the most out of the university experience.
Brian Wong
What made you decide to study Economic History?
I decided to study for this degree initially because of a desire to pursue my interest in economics and history. The investigation of the reasons behind the rise and fall of global and regional economic empires appealed to me and the LSE seemed an ideal location to undergo such study.
How would you describe the course to someone who is thinking of applying?
The course caters to a wide range of tastes, including an appetite-whetting introductory course that probes the foundations of the modern world economy, as well as stimulating final-year courses on the historical development of specific regional economies such as those of Africa, America and Asia. The most striking discovery of my three years of study was obvious but thought-provoking: historical disparities in economic growth, whether on a macro or micro level, cannot usually be explained by a single factor. Rather, they are usually the result of a whole host of phenomena, at times complementary but at others conflicting.
What did you find most interesting, surprising or challenging about the LSE?
LSE's excellent reputation draws in students who have diverse backgrounds yet who are also willing to engage with competing schools of thoughts. This happily adds fuel to intellectual debates, as students are able to bring individual contributions to the table and discuss them with enthusiasm.
What was the next step for you after completing your degree?
Since leaving the LSE, I have been engaged in full-time church work at St Helen's Bishopsgate church in the City of London. The training that I received in understanding and engaging with wide-ranging ideas at the LSE have prepared me well for this year's church work.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
For prospective LSE students, I offer this piece of advice: be prepared to think hard and to speak up! Three years at LSE act as a fantastic training ground for one's mind and one's communication skills. Make good use of them!
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